Update Dec. 2018 : Rhizome Autistic Advisory Project establishes Supported Decision Making Service as a part of Project 2019
When it comes to advising on autistic issues, Autistic people are an invaluable resource and the ultimate experts. This project intends to translate this capacity to employment and services for and by autistic people.
It would be an understatement to say that this is a formidable task. There are gargantuan difficulties, starting with the fact that there is a proliferation of autism advisory services in every sphere starting with the parent advisory, advisory to professionals and caregivers, to institutions and governmental agencies. Predominantly all of these are not by autistics, with a few exceptions reinforcing the rule. Successful advisory to neurotypical populace requires not only the articulated knowledge of the subject matter, but also an exceptional ability to communicate it in challenging and often uncomfortable social settings – precisely the area where many of people on autistic spectrum may experience great difficulties.
And yet we can make it happen. The market is divided and there are areas that are still underrepresented. Specifically the area of advisory related to creation of friendly “autistic spaces”, advisory to “autistic interactions”, in the public sectors as well as advisory to the service industry which may benefit from autistic customers. The government agencies (parks and recreations, transit, other) may be one of the areas where we can achieve representation (this may be boosted by the Autistic Travel initiative).
Partnering with an established advisory firm, organization, or individuals may be essential initially in getting the business as well as the management expertise. We need to look into this option and consider partnering with people whose values and advisory are consistent with the spirit and the vision of autistic community.
Considerations
I think that we should take a path of partnering with somebody (autistic or not) who is already established in this area and has both the managerial and marketing skill; who has demonstrated the understanding of the goals and values of autistic community, and would embrace DL vision and the guidelines. This party (preferably a small privately held firm or an individual with consulting contacts) would be offered to manage this project.
At the same time this project needs an autistic Curator with a very clear vision and spiritual strength. The role of Curator is to make sure that the project is indeed proceeding in line with its main purpose, and to work with the project manager to ensure that it doesn’t become something else. Curator reports to the panel, and may request panel’s interference as needed.
There is a separation of roles; curator doesn’t manage, but is a party to everything related to the project. Curator makes sure that autistic interests are preserved; that autistic people in the project are properly represented (60% guideline), and that autistic team members are not thrown under the bus for the business sake or any other reason at any time.
Plan
- Select a partner
- Select project manager
- Select curator
- Identify niche
- Apply for grants
- Build and train consulting team
- Produce marketing and training materials
- Promote and market
- Procure contracts
- Execute contracts